Highfin carpsucker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Highfin carpsucker |
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The highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer) is a freshwater fish that lives in rivers in the southeastern and midwestern United States. It's a silvery fish with a long fin on its back. This fish usually lives in medium to large rivers, about 1 to 3 metres (3 to 10 ft) deep.
Highfin carpsuckers grow to an average length of 26.5 centimetres (10 in). They become adults around age three. Female fish lay about 20 to 30 eggs once a year, usually in spring or early summer. These fish eat small creatures like crustaceans, protozoa, and mollusks, as well as algae. Young highfin carpsuckers can be eaten by bigger fish like northern pike and largemouth bass.
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What is a Highfin Carpsucker?
The highfin carpsucker is typically about 26.5 centimetres (10.4 in) long. The longest one ever found was 50 centimetres (20 in)! This fish is silvery, and its name "velifer" comes from its very long fin on its back, called a dorsal fin. Highfin carpsuckers can live for about 12 years in the wild.
Where Highfin Carpsuckers Live
Highfin carpsuckers are found in many parts of the eastern United States. You can also find them west of the Mississippi River. They like waters that are not too hot or too cold.
These fish live from South Dakota all the way down to Louisiana. However, you won't find them in the northeastern parts of the United States. They are very common in the Mississippi River basin and near Lake Michigan.
Highfin carpsuckers prefer large or medium-sized rivers. They usually stay in water that is about 4 to 10 feet deep. They like areas with rocky or gravelly bottoms. Unlike some other carpsuckers, they tend to stay in shallower water and don't go into very small streams.
Highfin Carpsucker Habits
Highfin carpsuckers eat a variety of small things. Their diet includes tiny crustaceans, protozoa, algae, and other small water creatures like crayfish and snails. They like to feed in large or medium-sized rivers. They often stay closer to the river bank than in the middle of the river.
Young highfin carpsuckers can be hunted by other fish. Some of their predators include northern pike, muskellunge, walleye, and largemouth bass. But humans are the biggest threat to these fish.
Highfin carpsuckers do not like big changes in how fast the water moves. They prefer currents that are moderate to swift. They also like to live and feed in places with sandy or rocky gravel bottoms. If a river gets too much silt (mud and dirt), it can cause problems for these fish.
Highfin carpsuckers compete with other fish for food and space. Catfish and other carps are their main rivals. Highfin carpsuckers do best when there isn't too much competition from other species.
Highfin Carpsucker Life Cycle
Highfin carpsuckers become ready to have babies when they are about three years old. They start to breed when the water temperature is around 17 °C (63 °F).
These fish usually lay their eggs from April to June. In some places, eggs have been found as late as August. They only breed once a year. A female fish usually lays about 20 to 30 eggs at a time. After laying their eggs, highfin carpsuckers can live for about 12 years in the wild. If they are kept in tanks, they might only live for about four years.
Highfin carpsuckers do move around in their local areas. However, they are not considered a fish that travels long distances.
See also
In Spanish: Carpiodes velifer para niños
